curated inspiration by the pelican club

CURATED INSPIRATION BY THE PELICAN CLUB

VOLUME 01

Cover image: View from the terrace, Belmond Hotel Cipriani

Dear friends,

T ravel is an incredible source of inspiration and can open our minds to subjects that we

otherwise may not have exposure to. It invites us to disconnect from our daily lives and experience something new, and allows us to taste and feel how other cultures live their lives. The following stories, people and places have greatly inspired us and our team at The Pelican Club.

We are honoured to be able to bring these stories to life, thanks to our partnerships with local contacts and friends on the ground. We set the scene so that you can step off a luxury yacht onto a glacier in the arctic, or meet a chef that will take you to forage in a rice field and then prepare a meal with you. Watch your kids learn traditional crafts from Maasai tribesmen and meet a ‘master storyteller’, who highlights the difficult past a city has faced, and shows you how they are keeping the culture alive. These are all unique opportunities to see this magnificent planet from different perspectives.

We plan trips for our members all over the world, and this magazine is a way for us to share some inspiring places, people and stories we have stumbled upon on our journeys, researching and learning. In our office, we very often have that “Wow, check this out!” moment, and as a result we all have an ever-expanding bucket list of places to visit, and we hope to inspire you to add some destinations or experiences to yours.

As always, we are here to help, suggest and plan for you anytime.

All the very best,

Jennica & Jamsheed FOUNDERS, THE PELICAN CLUB

5T H E P O S T E — VO L U M E 0 1

T H E P E L I C A N C L U B

I N T H I S I S S U E

15FOOD + DRINK

Bali, Indonesia

39HISTORY + CULTURE

Savannah, Georgia

44LUXURY + LIFESTYLE

Venice, Italy

32NATURE + ANIMALS

Svalbard, Norway

21HANDPICKED

Caribbean Islands

51FAMILY FUN

Maasai Mara and Tsavo, Kenya

27PEOPLE + STORIES

London, UK

09WELLNESS + SELFCARE

Vals, Switzerland

56THE PELICAN CLUB

About Us

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VALS, SWITZERLAND

LOOSE N UP I N TH E A LPS

D I S CO N N EC T F R O M T H E WO R L D A N D R ECO N N EC T W I T H YO U R S EL F — A N D A G OAT!

F ew places are more idyllic or evoke a stronger sense of calm than the rolling alpine meadows

in the Grisons mountains, the home of alpine yoga. Practice solo, in a group, or with a goat! A new trend that is proven to improve mental calmness and stability. These furry friends can also join you for a mountain trek or in group yoga classes.

Wellness and luxury go hand-in-hand in Switzerland. The healing sources from alpine springs and the energizing force of the majestic mountains are an enormous part of Swiss culture, explain our partners, Cosa Travel, who helped us plan this adventure.

Inhale the crisp alpine air, feel a gentle breeze and the faint jingle of cowbells… you are meditating on a Swiss mountain top.

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At hotel 7132, the legendary thermal springs are brought to life by architect Peter Zumthor, who rose to international fame with his design for the spa complex in the sleepy valley of Vals. Shortly after, the adjoining hotel was reimagined by Zumthor and a team of star architects who let their creative imaginations run free. The result is an architectural masterpiece; a tribute to the incredible beauty of the Alps and an homage to the deeply rooted wellness heritage of the region.

The sharp, obtuse lines carefully frame the sweeping valley views experienced from every corner of the property, from the two Michelin-starred restaurant to the panoramic poolside. The spa is peaceful and serene, and you can glide into one of their many pools filled by the mineralized St. Peter Spring at a soothing 30 degrees celsius. The signature Vals alpine herb stamp massage and peel is perfect for calming tense muscles and restoring the balance of the body. Once rejuvenated, fly back to reality onboard the sleek hotel-operated helicopter.

The top-floor suites designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma offer impressively simple elegance, breathtaking views and luxurious privacy. Helicopter and limousine transfer included.

Relaxation area in the spa with peaceful views of the mountainside.

Hotel 7132 is offering a ‘Fit Retreat’ experience, a program for the mind, body and soul casting new light on diet, exercise, stress reduction and clean sleeping. Lead by Dr. Michael Despeghel, the team talk to you about the meaning of well being, tailoring programs and providing physiological guidance on the body’s metabolism and hormone balance based on the latest scientific findings, offering the ultimate lifestyle reset.


Hotel helicopter dropping off heli-skiers in the mountains of Grisons.

A goat joins in for a group yoga session.


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Made from 60,000 slabs of Vals quartzite, the thermal baths were granted protected heritage status shortly after their completion.

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LOC AVOR E

BALI, INDONESIA

AWARDED ‘BEST RESTAURANT IN INDONESIA’ AND ‘SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANT AWARD’

BY 50 BEST RESTAURANTS

T H E P O S T E — VO L U M E 0 1 15

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M y mouth is watering and I am now day dreaming about Indonesian street food

– “that happens” chuckles chef Eelke as he describes the ancient method of cooking in coconut husks with mythical sounding ingredients and punchy flavours of Semur Daging, his most recent take on the traditional Balinese stew for his authentic Indonesian restaurant, Locavore, in Ubud, Bali.

Eelke Plasmeijer and business partner Ray Adriansyah always wanted their business to be good and do good. Now operating some of the best restaurants in Bali since 2013, along with a cocktail bar, butcher shop, food lab and soon-to-be farm, complete with forest, apiary and distillery. They are an exceptional example of a sustainable hospitality business, with their zero-waste policy, local sourcing, renewable energy production, educational programs and more!

“At the beginning it was very difficult to source authentic Indonesian products because most farmers only grow the western ingredients that hotels want to buy. But we told them we want to use the same ingredients that your grandparents would use….who comes to Bali to eat salmon, scallops and foie gras?”

Teams of chefs from the restaurant are now venturing into the Indonesian archipelago (a mind-blowing 17,000 islands) with the aim of bringing back traditional recipes, methods and ingredients on the brink of disappearing, serving them in their restaurants and teaching the locals how to cook them again. This has now become a formal process of the business, known as the ‘Jalan Jalan’ project.

The restaurants are a must visit when in Bali, and their delicious dishes will show you a refined take on traditional Indonesian cuisine. Our favourite dish is the Daun Kelor Mesanten, a Balinese soup from one of the chefs grandmothers consisting of the super-nutritious Moringa leaves cooked with coconut milk and Balinese spices in a young coconut over an open fire. “The sweetness of coconut works well with Moringa and helps balance the distinct aroma of the leaves”. Eelke kindly shares their secret recipe on the next page.


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Locavore’s tiny galley-style kitchen buzzes with chefs wearing caps or shirts with the restaurant’s mantra: “Go local or go home.”

One of the signature dishes on the six course tasting menu at Locavore. ‘Into The Sawah’ is a hyper-local rice cooked risotto style and served with frog legs, snails, tiny flowers, and a perfectly cooked duck-egg yolk.


LOCAL GUIDE

CHEF EELKE SHARES A FEW TIPS ON BALI

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Culinary hikes allow you to experience the beautiful landscape and see how connected the locals are to nature. Their understanding and knowledge of how to use everything that grows in the wild is fascinating.

STAY

The north and east near Padang bai is ‘old Bali’ — how it used to be in the 50s and where there is nothing more than to just enjoy the quiet beach and untouched nature.

EAT

The Warung (food stalls) have incredible local food and often specialize in just one dish. There are 100’s in Ubud and most don’t even have names, you just need to talk to the locals and ask where they eat. Babi gulling (roast pork) is a must in Bali and is best eaten in the morning when it’s just finished roasting.

Bumbu BaliINGREDIENTS140g Shallots285g Garlic85g Aromatic ginger160g Galangal85g Turmeric130g Ginger135g Big red chili

50g Curly chili1tsp Wangen (peppercorns are a good substitute) 10gr Shrimp paste, toasted2 tbsp Coconut oil

COOKING METHOD

1. Grind all ingredients in a pestle and mortar until you have a nice, smooth texture.

2. Warm a tablespoon of coconut oil in a little pan over medium heat and fry the paste for a few minutes until fragrant.

3. Cool down and transfer to a jar until further use.

RECIPES

Chef Eelke shares his recipe for Daun Kelor Mesanten and Bumbu Bali (the essential spice base for all Balinese cooking).

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Daun Kelor MesantenINGREDIENTS100 g Kelor (moringa) leaves70 g Bumbu Bali25 ml Coconut milk2 pcs Bongkot (ginger torch), sliced2 pcs Kaffir lime leaves1 whole CoconutSea salt

COOKING METHOD

1. Cut open the coconut (try to do this nice and neat because the dish will be served in the same coconut).

2. Discard half of the coconut water (keep this for other dishes or simply drink it with a slice of lime and ice).

3. Put the whole coconut on top of an open fire or BBQ and roast it until hot, it should change colour on the outside.

4. While heating up the coconut, put a small pan over a medium heat and add some coconut oil.

5. Add the bumbu Bali and the kaffir lime leaves and sauté until fragrant.

6. Remove from the heat and transfer the mixture straight into the whole coconut (that is still sitting over open fire getting charred).

7. Add the sliced bongkot and some salt to taste, stir and bring to the boil.

8. Add kelor leaves, stir and cook for around 3 minutes.

9. Finally add the coconut milk and stir well until everything is cooked completely.

10. Remove from the heat and serve directly!

Coconut & Udang Asap, (Marinated prawns, wrapped and cooked in banana leaves) being cooked over an open flame.

Daun Kelor Mesanten, cooked and served in a coconut.


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SPAC E & SPLE N DOUR

CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

OUR HANDPICKED SELECTION OF LUXURY CARIBBEAN VILLAS

C aribbean islands are the perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious and secluded

paradise. In our handpicked list, we ignore the typical ‘hotel room holiday’ and focus on space and privacy for small groups, large groups or just for you; sprawling estates, heavenly hotel villas, full service resorts and even private islands. All naturally accompanied by a full staff of butlers and chefs to cater to every palate and diet and all the facilities and comforts you could need, from golf courses, boardrooms, pilates studios and even an airstrip. Essentially, avoiding any unnecessary interaction with other guests or staff other than the ones dedicated to take care of you.

The Villas at Amanyara are impeccable sanctuaries, backing onto vast protected wilderness on Northern Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Their properties overlook the pristine reefs of the Marine Park, ready for snorkelling or just laid-back sunset watching in unparalleled tranquility.

For large families and multi-generational groups, hotel-managed villas are ideal for maximizing quality time together whilst also benefitting from access to the best hotel facilities – restaurants, nannies, spas, gyms, kids club and more. The Como Parrot Cay is a perfect getaway for families, with several stand-alone villas and residences located on the beach-fringed private island. Kamalame Cay in the Bahamas and Friendship Bay Estate on Bequia, have chic and laid-back cottage and villa collections that also blend the best of both – access to excellent resort facilities and services when you need it but in a secluded island setting away from it all.

Meanwhile, Villa Rockstar, at the ultra-hip and newly renovated Eden Rock hotel on St. Barts is a perfect spot for glamorous parties, celebrating special occasions or even recording your first hit single! With on-site events catering and even a recording studio in the basement, it is, as the name suggests, the ultimate Rockstar retreat.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, who would you bring?


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The master bedroom suite in a villa on Necker Island, BVI.

Family beach time by Villa Rockstar at Eden Rock, St. Bart’s.


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Mustique island; the eccentric and effortlessly cool island oasis where paparazzi are illegal, mainly inhabited by the royals and the rich and famous since the 1960s. Boasting a striking collection of a hundred or so villas which have been owned by the likes of Princess Margaret, and David Bowie, all drawn to the low key, barefoot glamour of this little island.

The Ani Private Resorts in Anguilla and the Dominican Republic are modern, cliff-top, private resorts, where you can rent a minimum of four and up to 14 rooms, granting you and your guests full-exclusive use of the entire resort, its staff and facilities. The Great House on Barbados, a classically beautiful, whitewashed, full-service beachfront estate can accommodate up to 30 guests overnight in the adjoining guest and carriage houses dotted along the pristine property.

For those seeking complete isolation, there are always private islands. The ultra-luxe Over Yonder Cay in the Bahamas have a collection of four heavenly villas accommodating up to 28 guests, only accessed by boat or sea plane. Necker island, owned by Sir Richard Branson, has a collection of charming, open-air Balinese-inspired villas on the idyllic island which is also home to lemurs and a friendly flock of flamingos.

Morning yoga class at Ani Private Resort, Dominican Republic.

Bar and beach at The Great House, Barbados.


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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

FOU N DI NG M E M B E R

M A DELEINE A NSEH N

CR E AT I V E D I R EC TO R AT H O U S E O F H A N N A


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A lways jetting off somewhere glamorous — Madeleine is an interior designer, wellness

advocate and fashionista who spends her time between London and the world.

Having lived outside of her native Sweden since she was sixteen and travelled extensively, Madeleine has a very sophisticated global outlook. Her design work is an expression of the unique cultures and experiences she has been exposed to. We sat down for a lunch at Scalini’s in London, to discuss travel and how she gets her exceptional eye for design.

Q: How important is travel to you and your work?

A: There is such a huge correlation between travel and design, it pushes me out of my comfort zone and feeds my creativity. I love how it broadens my mind, challenges me and allows me to look at an environment from new and fresh angles.

Q: What do you never travel without?

A: When you’re travelling, especially by yacht, it can be such a challenge to actually see each island and place you go to, so I love taking my trainers and going for an exploratory run. I find I discover so much more that way and of course it works for city escapes too!

Q: What’s it like to design someone else’s home?

A: You’re working with people and your aim is to show their unique personality and facilitate how they live and can live better. You get to know them very well – where they eat, where they nap – you end up becoming their psychologist and sometimes even their marriage counsellor! I believe that our environment directly impacts our emotions and productivity and I always look for that balance between beauty and functionality. Good design should have both.

Q: You talk about having a global design outlook. What do you mean by that?

A: Travel is a luxury product just like interior design, and many clients covet that unique look, or something that sets them apart. They don’t want you to simply pop down to the shop and pick something up but rather to curate something unique that speaks to who they are and creates interesting talking points. Travelling for me provides a constant supply of inspiration and an ever growing network of unusual and interesting suppliers. Mixing the clean simplicity of Scandinavia with the rich patterns and textures of Morocco for example, gives a design depth and adds interesting layers to enrich your environment, and funnily enough it tends to tie everything together!

There is such a huge correlation between travel and design, it pushes me out of my comfort zone and feeds my creativity.


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Family Home in Islington, London. House of Hanna in collaboration with Redesign London. Photo: David Churchill.

Rooftop views over the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica.


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Q: Tell us about your most memorable travel experience?

A: My spur-of-the-moment trip to Sri Lanka! After a 10-hour flight and a bumpy four hour drive, I arrived to my room in the dark. It wasn’t until the next morning when I woke up to the most spectacular views of forests and tea plantations at the Santani Wellness resort, that I realized I was in heaven. I felt so lucky I had to pinch myself!

I ended up extending my stay for two weeks to travel around and climb Mount Sri Pada; aptly named ‘Buddha’s footprint’ because of a foot impression on the mountain. The overnight trek was not easy; there were rats, there were crowds but when the sun came up it was the most incredible moment and totally worth it.

Q: What is your favourite hotel?

A: Oh, Hotel Costes in Paris is super sexy, but for one night only because the rooms are so small and dark. But such a sexy place to go.

Q: Where are we sending you next?

A: We had our trip to Antarctica through South America almost set. A dream come true — but that has to wait. In the meantime, I will probably spend a lot of the winter with friends in Cape Town, which is my second home.

To get in touch or for interior design inquiries visit WWW.HOUSEOFHANNA.CO.UK

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Kitchen/Dining at Family Home in Islington, London. House of Hanna in collaboration with Redesign London. Photo: David Churchill.

Living Room at Family Home in Islington, London. House of Hanna in collaboration with Redesign London. Photo: David Churchill.

Welcome to St. Tropez!


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SUPE RYAC HTI N S P I R ED BY S TO R I E S O F PA S T T R AV EL L ER S

A N D I N PA R T N ER S H I P W I T H E YOS E X P ED I T I O N S

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Arctic landscape and Cloudbreak (247ft). Built for exploring the most remote places on earth. Photo: Christopher Scholey for EYOS Expeditions.

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A rctic travel is a dream come true for many, while the thought of a scientific expedition

onboard an icebreaker may not appeal to all, gazing at polar bears and glaciers from the sumptuous surroundings of your own superyacht may sound much more attractive.

We have connected with EYOS expeditions, masters and experts with decades spent exploring the world’s most remote cruising areas. Their reassuring expertise and team of explorers are an asset to any vessel setting off into the wilderness, and are a perfect compliment to The Pelican Club’s planning and luxury service offering. Svalbard islands are a short flight from mainland Norway, but lay only 600 miles from the North Pole and are therefore the perfect place for discovering the beautiful nature and wildlife of the Arctic. Spring and summer are an exceptional time to visit as these rugged shorelines come alive with wildlife.

Luxury superyachts, with commercial ice-breaker hulls cruise deep into the pack ice so you can spot polar bears hunting and soaking up the summer sun with their cubs. To explore further you will glide through ice floes onboard Zodiacs to find walrus, go ashore on remote islands and kayak into hidden coves. Cruise spectacular fjords strewn with icebergs, and marvel at glaciers that tumble down to the sea against a backdrop of jagged mountains. All accompanied by your expert expedition leader, presenting and guiding you on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

SVALBARD, NORWAY

‘It’s like being in a whole other world’ and gives you a chance to glimpse life at its most wild and tenacious. The Arctic is one of the last places we have yet to modify.

The almost uninhabited Lonkan Fjord in Norway. Photo: Justin Hofman for EYOS Expeditions.


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Observing this mesmerising landscape while living onboard an incredible yacht offers an unprecedented mix of luxury and adventure. Indoor-outdoor winter gardens with breathtaking, 360-degree views, and helipad for quick access all allow you to feel completely immersed in the landscape.

Travelling to the Arctic gives you a different perspective on life: an appreciation of how vulnerable the planet is, and how much the human race has a responsibility to take care of this for our grandchildren. It is a gift, a new way of thinking and living your life — it will change you.


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Cloudbreak interior, fitness room and one of the multiple relaxation decks. Perfect for that mandatory dip in the Arctic. Photo: Christopher Scholey for EYOS Expeditions.

Walrus sighting in Svalbard, the largest seal species in the Arctic. Bulls (males) can be up to 3.5 metres long and 1,500 kg in weight, while cows (females) reach 2.5 metres and a weight of 900 kg. Photo: Martin Enckell for EYOS Expeditions.


Dr. Jamal Touré dressed as the African spirit of Day Clean, who represents awakening. Photo: Danielle Hipps

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SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

GULL A H G E EC H E E

A CULTURE NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN


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istah Patt’ shares powerful stories from her ancestors as she walks the streets of

Savannah, a key port of entry for slaves in the United States. She is a ‘master storyteller’ and The Gullah Geechee walking tours she hosts bring a culture and a crucial part of history to life that is not often discussed.

Gullah Geechee at its heart is a vibrant culture, native to the 4-state federal ‘Gullah Geechee Corridor’ spanning from North Carolina to northern Florida. A language, a flavourful cuisine, a style of craft and weaving, and even a people. The Gullah culture was brought to America in the 1700s to 1800s by enslaved Africans, who built on their deep connection with the heritage of their homeland that still lives on today. Gullah is a beautifully intact cultural identity woven deeply into the fabric of the city’s story and ‘Sistah Patt’ brings its origins to the forefront.

She guides people along Factors Walk where ‘Cotton was King’, and cotton merchants (called factors) used to sell and trade. She points out the city’s three whipping stations and heads up to Bay Street, where the first slaves in America were freed.

‘Those are not cobble stones, those are ballast stones that have come out of slave-ships.’

Sistah Patt Gunn, Master Storyteller and Gullah Geechee TruthTeller on Slavery and Healing.

Artillery Restaurant. Named after its former life as an artillery storage warehouse in the 19th Century.

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‘Sistah Patt’ created these tours to provide an opportunity for locals and visitors to reflect on the atrocities of slavery during the Antebellum circa (1758-1864). Gunn takes her ‘passengers’ on a journey; “It is important to acknowledge it happened, take it all in and embrace the four tools — truth, reconciliation, healing and repair” says Patt proudly; TEDx speaker and CEO of Underground Tours of Savannah and the founder of The Saltwata Players, a local folk art performance group.

Dr. Touré, historian and professor has worked tirelessly with ‘Sistah Patt’ to keep Gullah culture alive. He is exceptionally proud of The Geechee Kunda Cultural Center in Riceboro as one of the only museums dedicated to Gullah culture and African history in the Americas. “It provides a gathering place for the rich heritage and a place to empower and guide people on their journeys. We plant the seeds of history so people can learn from the struggles and the triumphs of the Gullah people”, says Dr. Touré.


It is important to acknowledge it happened, take it all in and

embrace the four tools — truth, reconciliation, healing and repair.


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CITY GUIDE

OUR SUGGESTIONS WHEN IN SAVANNAH

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Visit the Penn Center on St. Helena, the first school in America for freed slaves which later became a base for Martin Luther King.

STAY

The Drayton Hotel, a boutique property in the Spanish district with a romantic rooftop bar.

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Gullah Grub on St. Helena — a white clapboard house, restaurant and cooking school for kids run by husband and wife team, Bill and Sara.

DRINK

Artillery, an opulent and gilded landmark of the city. Try the Fire & Ice with mezcal, tequila, lime, creole shrub and shishito pepper.Bill Green, chef, farmer

and fisher of Gullah Grub Restaurant on St. Helena.

The pair see more and more people interested in learning about African-American history and how it’s still impacting people today, demonstrated most recently with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Savannah is one of the most beautiful cities in the US, and walking from square to square with a local guide is the absolute best way to experience the city. You can even do so sipping on a mint julep (Savannah is one of the few U.S. cities that allows drinking in public places).

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HOTE L C I PR I A N I

W H ER E L I F E I S AS S PA R K L I N G AS A B EL L I N I ! … AS I N V ENT ED BY T H E H OT EL’ S FO U N D ER

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VENICE, ITALY

T he story begins in 1956 when Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of the iconic Harry’s Bar,

decided to build a Venetian retreat for his jet-setting, celebrity friends. Somewhere appropriate for them to sip a Bellini, one would imagine. He picked Giudecca island; only 5 minutes by boat from Piazza San Marco and the perfect spot for a secluded, luxurious resort away from the bustle of Venice.

The hotel opened in 1958 and was instantly popular with its glamorous guests, including Yves Saint Laurent, Sophia Loren and Frank Sinatra. More recently, George & Amal Clooney, who hosted their wedding here, have added some signature creations to the hotel’s fabulous cocktail repertoire along with their good friend; Head bartender, Walter Bolzonella, who has been there since 1979.

“With all these important people, everywhere they go on the street they are stopped. And when they arrive at Belmond Hotel Cipriani, they find the privacy. They feel treated like a normal guest. A normal guest means treated good, treated with love. And this is very nice,” says Bolzonella.

It’s not hard to see why so many fall in love with this hotel; opulent suites furnished with Italian antiques, rich fabrics and sparkling Murano chandeliers. Each room with striking views of the shimmering blue lagoon, the theatrical city backdrop or enchanting gardens. Cruise into the private dock at the Palladio Suite; the showpiece of the hotel, with 180-degree lagoon views and its own gorgeous garden and pool.


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Sommelier preparing the aperitif trolley.

View of Venice from a Hotel Suite at Belmond Hotel Cipriani.


Giuseppe Cipriani is also responsible for creating the largest outdoor swimming pool in Venice. Legend has it he was describing it in feet but the architect was planning it in metres, which has resulted in the Olympic sized pool guests enjoy today.

The sensational waterside dining at Cip’s Club is the perfect place to lose yourself in the magic of Venice. Then there is Oro, the magnificent Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the romantic Casanova gardens, where by day you might also stumble upon Roberta, the hotel’s resident tortoise.

What sets this hotel apart is its spontaneity, or as Walter says, “it’s about knowing what kind of drink your guests want before they do.” Rather than being about a stiff and formal feeling, the hotel service exudes informal luxury. The type that is empathic and brings out the personality of its staff.

Sixty-four years on and the Cipriani still epitomizes old fashioned glamour and luxury. The timeless elegance and personable service are what make it one of the leading luxury hotels in the world and also one of the most expensive hotels in Italy… and it is totally worth every penny!


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Old-world glamour meets modern comfort, bedroom at Belmond Hotel Cipriani.

Sit beneath the Murano chandeliers and gold leaf ceiling at the Michelin-starred Oro Restaurant.


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MAASAI MARA & TSAVO NATIONAL PARK, KENYA

LIT TLE WA R R IOR S ON SA FA R I

GOING INTO THE BUSH WITH YOUR CUBS


T his is real life, and thankfully today we are not the prey. Holding our breaths, (just to

be sure) we watch her launch into a full chase with a distracted, yet clearly experienced gazelle. The cheetah is the fastest and one of the deadliest predators in the Maasai Mara, going from 0-60 mph (96km/h) in less than three seconds. However, she must choose her prey wisely, as she can only run for one minute until she needs a rest.

My son squeezes my hand: this time we don’t have the comforting sound of David Attenborough narrating. We are utterly mesmerized by Selenkei, the ‘Queen’ at Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a 10,000 acre private conservancy where the Mahali Mzuri luxury tented camp is located, co-owned by Sir Richard Branson and the Gehlot Family in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. “She likes to patrol and strut around the camp,” says our guide Betty, who is one of Kenya’s first female safari guides, as Selenkei returns to her perch after an unsuccessful hunt… this time. We also return to our perch, and my ‘little warrior’ as they are affectionately called, cannot stop sharing his story at the evening bonfire with guests and the Mahali Mzuri family about the close call he saw today — already a story he will never forget.

We leave the Mara feeling like pioneering explorers as we board our private plane and soar over the lush landscape — the enormous Rift Valley and its busy swamps with bathing elephants below — until we spot Mt. Kilimanjaro and Tsavo National Park in the distance. We arrive at Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp, and check in to our extravagant 2000sqft family tent with two ensuite bedrooms, a living room and panoramic deck. We immediately feel as at home as the resident hippos and crocodiles swimming in the natural spring pools dotted around the property. I feel it only responsible to continue my son’s warrior training in the ‘Bush survival class’, where local Maasai teach children how they live in the bush. They learn how to use what is available to them to light a fire, make a bow and arrow and even a handy toothbrush. Afterwards they gather at the research centre to inspect skeletons, study footprints and learn about the geology, ecosystems and wildlife of this fascinating part of the world.

We have all grown during our great adventure to Kenya. Our journey ends with recounts of captivating stories, myths and folk tales about life in the bush, and the origins of the Tsavo land from our Maasai guides and bush family in front of the bonfire, now a family ritual.

Few feelings beat the thrill of seeing a prowling cheetah slowly creeping towards its prey.

Images courtesy of Mahali Mzuri, Finch Hattons Private Luxury Tented Camp, and Taran Gehlot, Founder of Soul Safaris.


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Elephants in the wild on a game drive at Finch Hattons Private Luxury Tented Camp in Tsavo National Park.

Selenkei the cheetah ‘Queen’ of Olare Motorogi Conservancy.


At Finch Hattons, we don’t believe that we inherited the Earth from our ancestors, but that we borrow it from our children. We want to instil a lifelong passion for the bush in the young adventurers under our care, so that they will always appreciate and strive to conserve it.

FAM

ILY

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Luxury tents at Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson’s Kenyan Safari Camp

Children’s cooking class with the hotel chef at Finch Hattons Private Luxury Tented Camp.


We know that ideal place to stay, where you can leave the world behind.

The exclusive relationships we have built will take you places and give you personal local experiences enjoyed only by the lucky few.

We open doors to exquisite island hideaways, privately owned estates, top chef’s tables and incredible encounters with locals.

We create exceptional experiences to suit your tastes and desires at a pace that’s just right.

You won’t know it but we are with you through every effortless moment, taking care of all the details.

Come travel with us.


Picture: Belmond Hotel Cipriani.

WWW.THEPELICAN.CLUB

[email protected] | +1 (416) 268-2980

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Enquire about becoming one of our exclusive members.

In addition to the above, members get access to us 24/7/365 and we become the go-to, reliable resource you need. Let us help plan, organize and handle all you and your household’s travel and luxury lifestyle needs.

Get in touch for more information about membership.

It’s incredibly important that you spend your time off well. We know how difficult and overwhelming it can be to plan that perfect escape. We’ve been

there ourselves and know that every detail matters – so leave it with us.

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